Saturday, September 29, 2012

How about 2.5D? As an artist, I always was somewhat dissatisfied with the two major graphic realms available in this particular universe. I am
talking about the time-tested and heavily overused 2D and a bit more modern and
innovative, still growing and maturing 3D. The 2D always looked a bit plain and
as if something was missing (apologies to the great artists of the past and
present). The 3D, on the other hand, no matter how sophisticated and realistic
it was, always seemed a bit lifeless and fake (sorry, Pixar). Of course, there
were Photorealism and Hyper Realism, but still not quite what I had in
mind.

And then it suddenly dawned on me: what if, somehow, I was
able to create a new graphic realm, sort of a love child born out of an
unorthodox union of 2D-father and 3D-mother (WOW!), utilizing the best of
both worlds? In technical terms, it would possess simplicity, portability and
light-weightiness of 2D, at the same time, having stunning look, feel and
texture of 3D… Is it even possible, one would ask? Well, I wasn't really sure
at the time, but I thought I'd give it a try.

After some research, I have discovered that a few terms
somewhat describing this type of imaging technology have already been coined. 2.5D
("two-and-a-half-dimensional"), 3/4 perspective and pseudo-3D are
terms, used mainly in the video game industry to describe among other things, a
2D graphical projections and similar techniques, which are used to cause a
series of images (or scenes) to simulate the appearance of being
three-dimensional (3D) when in fact they are not, or gameplay in an otherwise
three-dimensional video game that is restricted to a two-dimensional plane. What also helped me a lot on this
path of discovery is the fact that I did not have any formal education in the
area of graphic design. Zero. Then, quite a while ago, I discovered Adobe
Photoshop, and fell in love at first sight. My teachers were renowned Photoshop
gurus such as Bert Monroy, always encouraging playing, experiment and working
"out of the box". Versatility and virtually unlimited possibilities
of Photoshop, combined with my curiosity and strong knack for experimentation,
resulted in what I later called M-LETT 3D (or M-LETT 2.5D, in its latest incarnation) method (short for "Multi-Layer
Enhancement &amp; Texturing Technique").

The idea was fairly simple. I asked myself: what makes
things look 3-dimensional and realistic? Technically speaking, just a few
components: perspective, light/shadow and texture. So, how would you make
things pop without employing actual 3D-rendering technology (a process of
automatically converting 3D wire frame models into 2D images with 3D
photorealistic effects or non-photorealistic rendering on a computer)?
Basically, how would you fake 3D? Photoshop already had almost everything I
needed in its arsenal, and the best possible solution was to utilize the
amazing and powerful set of features called ”layer styles". Now all
I needed was to assemble a toolkit appropriate for the task, as well as some
innovative ways of using it. Another important part of the equation was
to incorporate various textures, such as various metals, enamels, precious
stones, leathers and fabrics into my toolbox.

So, how is it actually done? In a nutshell, here
is how… You start with a regular flat two-dimensional image. I normally create
it in a form of a vector image in Adobe Illustrator, or use a pre-existing
vector or raster image, which I then vectorize. Next step is sort of a
reverse-engineering process of the said 2D image, performed in Photoshop. I literally
disassemble the base 2D image into multiple layers, positioning them as they
would appear if it was a three-dimensional object. Every little detail counts.
You may not even acknowledge it, but your brain will. As soon as all the layers
are stacked up and ready, each layer and each detail would get its
individual style-texture-shadow/light treatment. All elements come together in
a final draft, which pops and comes to life in a very visually-impressive and
an unusual way. All my images are results of a very detailed and time-consuming
process. And the process turned out to be a never ending work-in-progress
to this day. I have to admit though -- it's a lot of fun...

At this point, my
lifelong interest in heraldry and insignia came into play. I realized that my
task would be more feasible when dealing with generally flat objects with
moderately-raised reliefs, such as coins, pins or various insignia. While
researching the topic, I noticed how flat and plain the majority of such
imagery used by webmasters, in print
production and manufacturing were . A
new idea started boiling alongside my Photoshop quest. What if I combine my
newly-born "fake 3D" method with the idea of enhancing various
heraldry and insignia objects, bringing them to life, so to speak, making them
stand out and look realistic? This is how some of my major-scale projects ,
such as "Military Insignia 3D", "World heraldry 3D" and
"Sacred Symbols 3D" were born.
I am following those in detail on my other blogs, as well as on my
"Heraldry Workshop" blog. This
particular blog will simply be a showcase of my artwork and ever-evolving
M-LETT 3D method, not covered on my other blogs. Welcome to the new realm of 3D that is not
really a 3D, or, if you wish, a 2D, which doesn't look like it normally
would... Hopefully, together we can
answer the question: 3D or not 2D?

3D Logo Service

Military Insignia 3D

3D Logo Service

Military Insignia 3D

Military Insignia 3D

C.7 @ FineArt America

About Me

Toronto-based artist/designer/illustrator, specializing primarily in all aspects of heraldry, yet constantly experimenting with various forms of digital art, photography and mixed media arts. Ex-military - Cpt., Field Artillery, 10 years of service.
Driving force behind 'C.7 Design Studio', which became a household name in such fields as next generation military and civic heraldry. My artwork is being used by the defense ministries of several countries, as well as by numerous business and other organizations, in multiple online and print publications, blockbuster Hollywood movies and documentaries.
In early 2009, I have created and further developed my very own M-LETT 3D/2.5D (Multi-Layer Enhancement & Texturing Technique), which, in a nutshell, is a method of simulating 3D appearance via specific 2D processes (still the work in progress). I utilize this method extensively in many of my art pieces, which makes them look somewhat unorthodox and unique... Among other things, I am also a contributing artist with ProHeraldica (USA), ProHeraldica (Europe) and Fine Legacy (Authentic Coats of Arms & Treasures).